HEC Degree Attestation: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

What is HEC Degree Attestation?

HEC degree attestation is the official verification process conducted by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan to authenticate the genuineness of academic degrees and transcripts. Whether you are planning to pursue higher education abroad, apply for a government job, or seek employment in another country, HEC degree attestation is a mandatory step that validates your educational credentials. The process confirms that your degree was issued by a recognized institution and meets the academic standards set by HEC Pakistan.

Every year, thousands of graduates across Pakistan go through the HEC attestation process. Without this verification, your degree holds limited value for official purposes both within Pakistan and internationally. The attestation stamp from HEC serves as proof that your educational documents are genuine, making it an essential requirement for career growth and academic advancement.

Why is HEC Degree Attestation Important?

HEC degree attestation is not just a formality — it is a critical requirement for multiple professional and academic pursuits. Understanding why this process matters will help you appreciate the importance of completing it promptly after graduation.

Employment Requirements

Most government positions and many private sector jobs in Pakistan require HEC-attested degrees as part of the hiring process. Organizations verify the authenticity of your academic credentials through the HEC attestation stamp. Without it, your application may be rejected outright, regardless of your qualifications or experience. Federal and provincial public service commissions, armed forces, and major corporations all mandate HEC attestation.

Higher Education Abroad

If you plan to study abroad, universities in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and others require HEC-attested academic documents. Many foreign universities and credential evaluation services such as WES (World Education Services) specifically ask for HEC verification before processing your application. The attestation confirms that your Pakistani degree is equivalent to international academic standards.

Immigration and Visa Processing

Immigration authorities in several countries require HEC attestation as part of the visa application process. Skilled worker visas, permanent residency applications, and professional licensing in foreign countries often mandate verified educational documents. Countries in the Middle East, Europe, and North America frequently require this attestation for work permit processing.

Professional Licensing

Professional bodies such as the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Bar Council, and the Pakistan Nursing Council require HEC-attested degrees before granting professional licenses. Without attestation, you cannot legally practice in regulated professions within Pakistan.

Types of HEC Attestation

HEC offers different types of attestation services depending on your specific needs. Understanding the distinctions will help you choose the right service and avoid unnecessary delays in your application process.

Regular Attestation

This is the standard attestation process for degrees earned from Pakistani universities recognized by HEC. It covers Bachelor's, Master's, M.Phil, and PhD degrees. The regular attestation confirms that your degree was issued by an HEC-recognized institution and that the program you completed meets the required academic standards. Processing time for regular attestation typically ranges from three to five working days.

Urgent Attestation

For those who need their documents attested quickly, HEC offers an urgent attestation service. This expedited process is completed within one working day but comes with an additional fee. Urgent attestation is recommended when you have pressing deadlines for job applications, visa submissions, or university enrollment abroad.

Equivalence Attestation

If you have earned a degree from a foreign university and need it recognized in Pakistan, HEC provides an equivalence attestation service. This process evaluates your foreign degree against Pakistani educational standards and assigns an equivalent qualification level. This is essential for foreign-qualified professionals who wish to work or pursue further education in Pakistan.

Transcript Attestation

In addition to degree attestation, HEC also attests academic transcripts. Many foreign universities and employers require verified transcripts along with attested degrees. Transcript attestation follows a similar process and can be done simultaneously with degree attestation to save time.

Complete Step-by-Step Process for HEC Degree Attestation

The HEC degree attestation process involves several steps that must be followed carefully to ensure smooth processing. Here is a detailed breakdown of each step you need to take.

Step 1: Create an HEC E-Portal Account

Visit the HEC E-Services Portal at eservices.hec.gov.pk and create a new account. You will need to provide your CNIC number, a valid email address, and a mobile phone number. After registration, verify your email address by clicking the confirmation link sent to your inbox. This online account will serve as your gateway for submitting attestation applications and tracking their progress.

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

Log in to your HEC E-Portal account and navigate to the "Degree Attestation" section. Fill in your personal details, educational information, and the type of attestation you require. You will need to enter your degree details accurately, including the institution name, program title, year of graduation, and roll number. Double-check all information before submission, as errors can cause delays.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Upload clear scanned copies of all required documents through the E-Portal. The documents must be in the specified format (usually JPEG or PDF) and within the file size limits. Ensure that all uploaded documents are legible and complete. Incomplete or unclear documents will result in your application being returned for resubmission.

Step 4: Pay the Attestation Fee

After submitting your application, you will receive a fee challan. The fee can be paid through various methods including online banking, mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa, or by visiting a designated bank branch. Keep the payment receipt as proof, and upload it to the portal if required. The standard attestation fee is approximately PKR 300 to PKR 500 per document, while urgent attestation costs more.

Step 5: Submit Physical Documents

After completing the online application and payment, you need to submit your original documents at the nearest HEC regional office or the main HEC office in Islamabad. HEC has regional offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. You can also use the TCS courier service through HEC's authorized drop-off points. Carry your original documents along with photocopies and the printed online application form.

Step 6: Verification and Processing

Once your documents are received, HEC verifies them with your issuing university. This verification step is crucial and may take a few days depending on how quickly your university responds. During this period, you can track the status of your application through the HEC E-Portal. If HEC requires additional information or documents, they will notify you through the portal and via SMS.

Step 7: Collect Your Attested Documents

After successful verification, HEC will attest your documents by placing their official stamp and hologram sticker. You can collect your attested documents from the HEC office where you submitted them, or request delivery through TCS courier. Many applicants prefer the courier option for convenience, especially if they do not reside near an HEC office.

Documents Required for HEC Degree Attestation

Preparing all required documents in advance will help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth attestation process. Here is the complete list of documents you need to gather before applying.

You will need your original degree certificate along with two photocopies. Your complete academic transcript showing all semester results is also required, along with two photocopies. A copy of your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) is mandatory for Pakistani nationals. For those applying from abroad, a valid passport copy can be used as an alternative identification document.

Additionally, you need the printed online application form from the HEC E-Portal, the payment receipt or proof of fee payment, and two recent passport-size photographs. If you are applying for equivalence attestation of a foreign degree, you will also need to provide a copy of your visa, admission letter, and any previous Pakistani degrees that were prerequisites for the foreign qualification.

For Master's and PhD attestation, you must also submit copies of all previous degrees (Matric, Intermediate, Bachelor's) along with their transcripts. This requirement ensures that HEC can verify your complete academic progression and confirm that all prerequisite qualifications were completed from recognized institutions.

HEC Attestation Fee Structure

Understanding the fee structure helps you budget for the attestation process. HEC has a transparent fee schedule that varies based on the type of service and the level of degree being attested.

For undergraduate degree attestation (Bachelor's level), the standard fee is typically in the range of PKR 300 to PKR 500. Master's degree attestation costs slightly more, and PhD degree attestation has a higher fee. Urgent or expedited attestation services carry an additional surcharge, usually doubling the standard fee. Transcript attestation fees are charged per transcript.

Payment can be made through multiple channels including HBL, NBP, UBL bank branches, online banking portals, JazzCash, Easypaisa, and through 1Link ATMs. HEC periodically updates its fee schedule, so it is advisable to check the current rates on the official HEC website before applying. Keep all payment receipts safely as they serve as proof of payment and may be needed during document collection.

HEC Regional Offices and Contact Information

HEC operates several regional offices across Pakistan to make the attestation process accessible to applicants throughout the country. Knowing the nearest office and its working hours will save you time and effort.

The main HEC headquarters is located in Sector H-9, Islamabad, and handles the largest volume of attestation applications. Regional offices operate in Lahore (Arfa Software Technology Park), Karachi (Block B, Federation House), Peshawar (Phase 5, Hayatabad), and Quetta (Zarghon Road). Each regional office provides the same attestation services as the main office. Working hours are typically Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding public holidays.

For inquiries, you can contact HEC through their helpline, visit their official website at hec.gov.pk, or send queries through the E-Portal messaging system. HEC also has active social media accounts where they share updates about policy changes and service improvements.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Many applicants encounter issues during the HEC attestation process. Being aware of common problems and their solutions will help you navigate the process more efficiently.

Degree Not Recognized by HEC

If your university or program is not recognized by HEC, your degree cannot be attested. Before applying, verify that your institution and specific program are listed in HEC's database of recognized programs. You can check this on the HEC website under the "Recognized Universities" section. If your university has recently gained recognition, you may need to wait for the updated list to reflect this change.

Discrepancies in Documents

Name spellings, dates of birth, or other personal details that differ between your degree, transcript, and CNIC can cause your application to be rejected. Ensure all documents have consistent information. If there are legitimate discrepancies (such as a name change after marriage), provide supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or court affidavit to explain the difference.

University Verification Delays

Sometimes the verification process takes longer because the issuing university is slow in responding to HEC's inquiry. If your application seems stuck, contact your university's examination or registrar office directly and request them to respond to HEC's verification request promptly. You can also follow up through the HEC E-Portal.

Application Rejection

Applications can be rejected due to incomplete documents, unclear scans, or incorrect information. If your application is rejected, carefully review the rejection reason provided on the E-Portal, correct the issues, and resubmit. Most rejections are due to easily fixable errors like blurry document scans or missing photocopies.

Tips for a Smooth HEC Attestation Experience

Following these practical tips will help you complete the attestation process quickly and without unnecessary complications.

Start the process early — do not wait until you urgently need attested documents. The standard processing time is three to five working days, but delays can extend this period. Apply well in advance of any deadlines you may have for jobs, university applications, or visa submissions.

Ensure all your document scans are clear, high-resolution, and in the correct format before uploading them to the E-Portal. Blurry or incomplete scans are the most common reason for application delays. Use a proper scanner rather than taking photos with your phone.

Keep digital and physical copies of all documents you submit, including the online application form, payment receipts, and tracking numbers. This documentation will be useful if you need to follow up on your application or if any disputes arise during processing.

If you are located far from an HEC office, use the TCS courier service option. This saves travel time and expense while still allowing you to complete the process. Track your courier shipment to ensure your documents reach HEC safely.

HEC Degree Attestation for Overseas Pakistanis

Pakistani citizens living abroad face unique challenges when it comes to HEC attestation. HEC has introduced several accommodations to make the process more accessible for overseas applicants.

Overseas Pakistanis can initiate the process online through the HEC E-Portal from anywhere in the world. The online application and document upload steps are identical to the domestic process. However, for physical document submission, overseas applicants have two options: they can authorize a representative in Pakistan through a notarized power of attorney to submit and collect documents on their behalf, or they can use international courier services to send their documents to the nearest HEC office.

Some Pakistani embassies and consulates also facilitate the HEC attestation process by accepting documents and forwarding them to HEC. Check with your nearest Pakistani diplomatic mission to see if this service is available in your country. The attested documents can then be sent back to you through diplomatic mail or international courier.

For overseas applicants, the processing time may be slightly longer due to postal transit times. Plan accordingly and initiate the process at least four to six weeks before you need the attested documents.